JACKSONVILLE, FL– Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey rode a strong race aboard his all-powerful Yoshimura-equipped Suzuki RM-Z450, claiming a third-place podium finish last night at the 11th round of the 2011 AMA/FIM Supercross Championship at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, FL. Teammate Brett Metcalfe sat out once again to continue his recovery from recent crashes in Atlanta and Daytona. Metcalfe is hopeful to return to action at next week’s event in Toronto.

Dungey rode determined in practice, grabbing the second fastest time in timed qualifying. After a good start in his heat race, Dungey’s RM-Z powered him to the front for a convincing win. After a decent start in the main, Dungey was able to work his way up to third position by the end of the first lap. Dungey rode tenaciously on his RM-Z450 but couldn’t quite catch the leaders and crossed the line, claiming a third-place podium finish. Dungey’s consistent results have paid off, as the Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider now sits third in the championship points race.

"All in all, today was a good day,” said Dungey. “My Rockstar Makita Suzuki felt great, practice was good, and the bike settled in really well too. Going into the night race, I got a good start in my heat race and got the heat win. In the main, I got caught up in the pack a little bit but was able to work up to third. I was trying to gain on the leaders, but I just couldn’t make up enough time and then made a pretty big mistake on my part. Overall, I think it was a great night and big step in the right direction. I’m looking forward to Canada. It’s a big stadium and the track layout is pretty amazing there. It will be good to go to another country as well. Hopefully we can get good starts and put ourselves in a good position there."

The 2011 Rockstar Makita Suzuki team’s next event is Saturday, March 26th, at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada.